What December feels like in London
Early winter arrives in London with December. The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cold, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in London in December
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Wet days average about 5.5 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. The yearly figure is similar, around 5.3 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 7:59 am and sunset at about 3:52 pm (local time) — 7 h 53 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 1 h 3 min. About 46% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the 3rd coolest month in London. Afternoons run 2.5°C (4.5°F) cooler than in November, with 6 mm less rain. January is cooler again. January averages a high of 7.4°C (45.3°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting London in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is London in December?
Afternoons average 8.3°C (46.9°F) and nights about 3.4°C (38.1°F) — chilly by most people's standards. It is the 3rd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in London in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 61 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in London in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting London?
On our 12-month climate ranking, December comes out ahead (#10 of 12 vs #12). January has more rainy days.